Wire-gripping device



Patented Der. lg, i923..

ORSON A. WOOLLEY, OF EIAGRATH, ALBERTA, CANADA.

WIRE-GRPING DEVICE.

Application led November 22, 1922. Serial No. 662,556.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that 1, ORSON A. lVooLLnr, a sub-ject of the King of England, residing at Magrath, in the province of Alberta and Dominion of Canada, have invented certain new and useful improvements in Wire-Gripping Devices, of which the following is a specification. Y I

The invention has for an object to provide an efficient form of gripper for use in stretching wire, applicable to use in various forms of devices for applying tension to wires for fastening. lt is an especial object to provide a device of 'this kind adapted to permit rapid and ready engagement of a wire therewith, as well as quick removal of the wire therefrom when necessary. A further important aim of the invention is to present a construction having specii'ic peculiarities adapted to insure a firm gripping of a wire or the like, in a novel Ina-mier. A further purpose is to enable the manufacture of such an appliance at a low cost and in a form to permit its ready application to use or incorporation upon various stretcher devices.

Additional objects, advantages and features of invention reside in the construction, arrangement and combination of parts as will be understood from the following` description and the drawings, wherein,

Figure 1 is a top view of a device constructed in accordance with my invention,

Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof,

Fig. 3 is an end elevation,

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the body element of the device.

rlhere is illustrated a gripper element for wire stretchers and the like comprising a body block of oblong form, having a longitudinal channel 11 extending thereacross from end to end, a slot 12 centrally of the block extending therethrough from the bottom to the top, in alinement with and forming a continuation of the channel 11. ln the slot 12 there is mounted a cam 13 having suitable teeth 14 therearound t0 readily engage and grip the surface of a wire pressed against the cam. The cam in the present instance is approximately circular in form, and pivoted eccentrically in the slot 12 in order that it may function in a proper manner, as will be readily understood. At one end of the block 10 a bail or yoke 16 is pivotedon the block, by which a chain 17 may be connected to a stretcher de vice or other up. Upon the top side of the blc ,.c beside the groove 11 there is formed stop 18 notched as at 19, on the side immediately adjacent the top of the block 10 to receive a lever thereunder, which is pivoted at the opposite side of the block upon a lateral extension 21. rlhe lever 20' is of a length to project slightly7 beyond the side of the block when in closed position, so that its outer end may be grasped for manipulation as required. lt is provided with hie teeth on the underside.

it is important to note that the notch 19 of the stop 18 is formed on that side next the bail 16, which has an important advantage upon the functioning of the device as contemplated.

The width of the groove 11 and the sides of the cam and its axial mounting are such that the device is readily adaptable to accommodate wires of various sizes, wit-hout requiring adjusting means. It is also to be noted that the cam is of a size to project i through the bottom of the blocx, through the slot 12, at all times, when engaged with large or small wires. rlhis latter arrange ment permits the cam to be operated by the thumb of a user for initial adjust-ment of the cam to clear the groove 11 for engage` ment of a wire, and to bring the wire into proper engagement therewith initially.

It should be noted that the bail being the means by which draft is applied to the gripper and the notch 19 opening in the direction of the bail, in order to close the groove 11 with the lever 20, it is necessary to move the lever in 'the same direction that the wire tends to pull when the device is in operation.

ln the use of the device, the block is held in one hand, and the cam` manipulated by the thumb of that hand to clear the slot l1 to permit a wire 22 to be laid in the slot with the other hand, the cam being adjusted so that the wire is borne againstt-he lever 2O just as it enters the slot 19. .5i further movement of the lever 2O into full engaged position with the slot 19 by reason of the toothed under surface of the lever causes the wire to move in the direction opposite the draft end, and this in turn acts upon the cam to cause it to wedge tightly initially against the wire. Consequently, when draft is finally applied to 'the bail 16, there is no initial slip of the wire before it becomes properly engaged, nor are reudjust- Yments of the Wire required before the gripper finally takes hold in a properrmanner.

What is oleimed l. A gripper device for the uses described comprising a body' member' having' a longitudinal channel thereiicross, a` draft connection at one end of the body, L cam device operable in the groove with its periphery presented outwardly in the groove, and being adapted for gripping engagement Iigziinst a. Wire orrthe like, zi lever pivoted upon the block to swing across said groove, and a stop element for engagement With the lever having1 zi recess therein open in the direction of draft connections, for the purpose described.

2. A device of the character described comprising; a, body `member having a` longitudinal groove therein, and having a central slot openingromthe groove 'to the 0pposite face of the block, a cam mounted in the slot to; project therefrom opposite the lgroove, for manipulation, and adapted to bear upon :L .Wir'ef-.laid-n the groove, and means to close the groove opposite the cam for confinement of a Wire or2 the like.

in testimony whereof l have affixed my signature in presence of twowvitnesses.

oRsoNYA. WooLLnY.

Witnesses:

WALLACE E. JOHNSON, JOHN YT. 

